Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Mercenaries 3 footage gives taste of canceled game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/mercenaries-3-footage-gives-taste-of-canceled-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/mercenaries-3-footage-gives-taste-of-canceled-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/mercenaries-3-footage-gives-taste-of-canceled-game/#comments When Pandemic shut down last year, it took several projects with it. Kotaku has obtained footage of what was to become Mercenaries 3: No Limits. It would appear this game is not related to the announced Mercs Inc., which is currently on assignment in Limbo.

The showreel is rough, giving an idea of new game concepts and revealing a character who sounds a little like Uncharted's Elena after swallowing bad-girl pills. Head on over to Kotaku to see the Mercenaries that once upon a time you may have been able to eventually pay for.

JoystiqMercenaries 3 footage gives taste of canceled game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsMercenaries-2Mercenaries-2-World-In-FlamesmicrosoftpandemicPandemic-Studiospcplaystationps3xboxMon, 15 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Killspace Entertainment pulling from ex-Pandemic, EALA; working on two unannounced games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/11/killspace-entertainment-pulling-from-ex-pandemic-eala-working/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/11/killspace-entertainment-pulling-from-ex-pandemic-eala-working/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/11/killspace-entertainment-pulling-from-ex-pandemic-eala-working/#comments Ever heard of Killspace Entertainment? Yeah, neither had we until Supererogatory spotted the unannounced development studio's website (replete with strange video). In a Digital Development Management brochure (warning: PDF link), the studio is advertised as having one "Original IP with major publisher" in development and one "Licensed IP -- TBA," though it's said to be working on games for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC, iPhone, and Facebook. A quick search on LinkedIn shows that the dev house has been picking up employees from the likes of Obsidian Entertainment, Pandemic Studios, Red 5, and EALA, and will be focusing on "3rd and 1st person character action" titles. It also appears that some employees have been with the studio for over a year, meaning it's not exactly a brand new venture.

Odder still, it appears that one Douglas Markland of Killspace Entertainment is down as the contact on a WHOIS of both ApocalypseNowGame.com and WarIsNotAGame.net (though both sites are still devoid of content as of this writing). We've reached out to the studio for information on any of this and will update this post if we hear more.

JoystiqKillspace Entertainment pulling from ex-Pandemic, EALA; working on two unannounced games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocalypse-nowAppledouglas-marklandealaiPodkillspacekillspace-entertainmentkillswitch-entertainmentlinkedinMicrosoftobsidianobsidian-entertainmentpandemicpandemic-studiosred-5red-5-studioswarisnotagame.netXbox-360Sun, 11 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exhibit B, Q or X: 'Legends' concept art from canceled Pandemic project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/05/legends-concept-art-from-canceled-pandemic-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/05/legends-concept-art-from-canceled-pandemic-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/05/legends-concept-art-from-canceled-pandemic-project/#comments Following Pandemic's closure last November, several "secret projects" previously handled by the EA-owned studio slipped further into obscurity. While Mercs Inc. is apparently still in the works at EALA with the help of former Pandemic staff, "Project B" and "Project Q" (code names once used by Pandemic) were reportedly canceled -- and the status of a third mystery game, "Project X," is unknown. The not-to-be Wii racer, The Next Big Thing, was supposedly Project B or Q, and the recently unarchived project, Legends, is likely the other of the two.

Former Pandemic artist Dorian Compo has posted alleged concept art of the so-called Legends project on his self-promotional blog. "This is a project I worked on for a while, but then it was canceled -- not sure why, because it would've been awesome," Compo writes alongside the series of art stills, which depicts a fantasy-type sky world complete with various aircraft designs.

More recently, Compo posted a set of "tarots" bearing a Mercs Inc. logo and said the game was also "canceled." While providing a seemingly erroneous update, perhaps Compo was merely suggesting that the particular version of Mercs Inc. he had once worked on is no more.

[Via superannuation]

JoystiqExhibit B, Q or X: 'Legends' concept art from canceled Pandemic project originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledcancelledconcept-artdorian-compoeaElectronic-Artslegendsmercs-incpandemicpandemic-studiosProject-BProject-QMon, 05 Apr 2010 18:10:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: Pandemic's California location 'significant' in decision to close studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/ea-pandemics-california-location-significant-in-decision-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/ea-pandemics-california-location-significant-in-decision-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/ea-pandemics-california-location-significant-in-decision-to/#comments EA CEO John Riccitiello claims there were multiple factors in the decision to shutter Pandemic Studios, but one of the most significant was the studio's California base of operations. In an interview with Kotaku, Riccitiello blamed a combination of regulatory changes that affect technology and entertainment companies in California, as well as the tax incentives offered in other countries as major factors in the company's decision. "For good or for bad, we are taking down headcount in California because it is really expensive," Riccitiello said.

Another factor in the decision is the rapid growth of digitally delivered titles and browser-based games, leading Riccitiello to believe that the industry is quickly moving away from a focus on "packaged" software. "In a world that used to be all PC, then used to be all console, now it's neither." Riccitiello's comments echo those of Square Enix boss Yoichi Wada, who recently advised publishers to prepare for the "exponential growth" of digital delivery and server-based games following the announcement the studio would restructure its Eidos London offices, resulting in layoffs.

Pandemic Studios' closure comes at an interesting time, as the announcement was made just weeks before the studio's final title: The Saboteur. However, Riccitiello reiterated that the company's brand and franchises will live on.

JoystiqEA: Pandemic's California location 'significant' in decision to close studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsJohn-riccitiellolayoffsPandemic-Studiosstudio-closurethe-saboteurFri, 04 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Mercs Inc' officially announced, developed by Pandemic at EALA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/24/mercs-inc-officially-announced-developed-by-ea-los-angeles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/24/mercs-inc-officially-announced-developed-by-ea-los-angeles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/24/mercs-inc-officially-announced-developed-by-ea-los-angeles/#comments This morning's leaked footage, purported to belong to a new multiplayer-capable Mercenaries game called "Mercs Inc," just barely beat EA's official announcement of the (working) title to our front page. In development at EA Los Angeles, the latest toy in the destructive sandbox is paraded underneath the Pandemic banner, held aloft by the "core creative team" that survived the physical studio's recent closure. No target platforms have been announced.

According to EA senior VP and group GM, Nick Earl, the swift announcement "demonstrates our continued commitment to Pandemic's rich catalog of intellectual properties." As the press release innocently points out, "Mercs Inc will also be the first Pandemic game" to be released after this December's The Saboteur, the last Pandemic game. Oh, the previous one, we mean.

Joystiq'Mercs Inc' officially announced, developed by Pandemic at EALA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionea-los-angelesealamercenariesmercenaries-3mercs-incpandemicpandemic-studiosTue, 24 Nov 2009 15:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Pandemic goes out with a bang, 'Office Space' style]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/video-pandemic-goes-out-with-a-bang-office-space-style/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/video-pandemic-goes-out-with-a-bang-office-space-style/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/video-pandemic-goes-out-with-a-bang-office-space-style/#comments There's no two ways about it: having your studio shut down does not feel good. However, it does feel good to be a gangsta. Damn good. To prove this ancient adage, some former Pandemic employees put together a little Office Space-inspired video to honor the house that brought us Mercenaries, the Star Wars Battlefront series and the upcoming release, The Saboteur.

Kotaku reports that the mercilessly destroyed printer was, in fact, used by the Saboteur team, giving the video an extra layer of sweet vengeance. A word to EA: if you're missing any red Swingline staplers, we might know where they are. Watch the (very NSFW) video after the break.

Continue reading Video: Pandemic goes out with a bang, 'Office Space' style

JoystiqVideo: Pandemic goes out with a bang, 'Office Space' style originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closureeaElectronic-ArtsfinancelayoffspandemicPandemic-StudiosrevengeMon, 23 Nov 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Saboteur goes gold despite developer going dark]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/21/the-saboteur-goes-gold-despite-developer-going-dark/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/21/the-saboteur-goes-gold-despite-developer-going-dark/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/21/the-saboteur-goes-gold-despite-developer-going-dark/#comments Though The Saboteur developer Pandemic Studios is losing its 200-person staff, the company's final game has just "gone gold" across Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. In a post on the studio's forums, Community Manager Mathew Everett noted that while "this has been a very difficult week for Pandemic Studios," The Saboteur will still be "available across Europe starting December 4 and throughout North America on December 8."

Unfortunately, it would appear that EA (the game's publisher) has forgotten about said release dates, choosing to offer as little marketing push as possible. We wish the folks at Pandemic Studios the best and offer our condolences to those who recently lost their jobs.

[Via PlanetXbox360]

Gallery: The Saboteur (11-10-09)

JoystiqThe Saboteur goes gold despite developer going dark originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsgoldMicrosoftpandemicpandemic-studiospcsaboteurthe-saboteurXbox-360Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Pandemic Studios to close its doors today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/rumor-pandemic-studios-to-close-its-doors-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/rumor-pandemic-studios-to-close-its-doors-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/rumor-pandemic-studios-to-close-its-doors-today/#comments Pandemic Studios, the house behind games like Mercenaries and the forthcoming The Saboteur will be shuttered by EA today, according to sources speaking to Kotaku. Reportedly, the developer's 200-some staffers will be informed at 2 p.m. EST that all but a few (who will be integrated into other EA teams) are to be let go. Pandemic had previously been rumored as one of the studios that would be hit hardest by EA's 1,500-member staff reduction. Current Pandemic projects will reportedly shift to EA's Montreal branch, which handles Army of Two.

This story, that of a developer who puts their all into a game only to be rewarded with a firing upon its completion, is staring to become alarmingly familiar. Sure, we understand the logistics, but that's cold comfort to those Pandemic employees who may have to start tomorrow off by looking for work. We'll keep after EA for official word.

JoystiqRumor: Pandemic Studios to close its doors today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaeconomyElectronic-Artslayoffsmercenariespandemicpandemic-studiosthe-saboteurTue, 17 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: The Saboteur's Tom French & Chris Hunt]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/interview-the-saboteurs-tom-french-and-chris-hunt/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/interview-the-saboteurs-tom-french-and-chris-hunt/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/interview-the-saboteurs-tom-french-and-chris-hunt/#comments
The Saboteur has been catching eyes since its announcement way back in 2007 and now, with the game only a few months from release on December 8th, we got the chance to sit down with lead designer Tom French and art director Chris Hunt to discuss Nazis, their black-and-white recreation of the city of Paris, and killing the one while running around the other.

French did a quick presentation before our interview, where he told the story of William Grover-Williams - the racecar driver-turned-saboteur that the game's protagonist, Sean Devlin, is based on - as well as the cinematic influences on The Saboteur, from Raiders of the Lost Ark to The Third Man. Afterwards, we sat down with both designers to talk about why you'll find plenty of color, but no ghost guns (you'll see) or multiplayer in their upcoming game.

Continue reading Interview: The Saboteur's Tom French & Chris Hunt

JoystiqInterview: The Saboteur's Tom French & Chris Hunt originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-hunteaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftpandemicpandemic-studiosthe-saboteurtom-frenchXbox-360Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: The Saboteur]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/hands-on-the-saboteur/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/hands-on-the-saboteur/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/hands-on-the-saboteur/#comments
The Saboteur, Pandemic's latest open-world shooter about a rough and tumble Irish lad bringing color back to Nazi-occupied Paris, showed promise when we played an early build back at E3; but it definitely needed work.

Previewing a current build, I found that development has continued to progress. For one, you won't confuse The Saboteur with any other title this holiday season. The black-and-white landscape (part Casablanca, part Sin City; as lead designer Tom French describes it) is distinctive, with the "City of Lights" living up to its name and various splashes of Nazi-red creeping in among the buildings. The "look" of this game will definitely win some admirers, even if the gameplay doesn't end up quite as polished.

Gallery: Hands-on: The Saboteur

Continue reading Hands-on: The Saboteur

JoystiqHands-on: The Saboteur originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftpandemicpandemic-studiosthe-saboteurXbox-360Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[New The Saboteur media sneaks into view]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/new-the-saboteur-media-sneaks-into-view/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/new-the-saboteur-media-sneaks-into-view/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/new-the-saboteur-media-sneaks-into-view/#comments When Irish protagonist Sean in The Saboteur isn't busy, uh, saboteuring, he likes to frequent the local gentleman's establishment, The Belle de Nuit. And about four seconds into the above clip, we totally get why he would: his passion for architecture. Look at the beautiful hanging chandeliers and balustrades in that building and tell us there's any other reason for the dude to be hanging around there. Yeah, we thought so.

After checking out the above video, head into the gallery below for some new screens.

Gallery: The Saboteur (09.21.09)

JoystiqNew The Saboteur media sneaks into view originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftpandemicpandemic-studiosthe-saboteurXbox-360Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[The Saboteur visits brothels, explodes Nazis, has an accent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/the-saboteur-visits-brothels-explodes-nazis-has-an-accent/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/the-saboteur-visits-brothels-explodes-nazis-has-an-accent/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/the-saboteur-visits-brothels-explodes-nazis-has-an-accent/#comments
Nothing says, "I'm Irish ... really!" like Flogging Molly. And that's exactly the music that EA's Pandemic Studios chose for the new gameplay trailer of The Saboteur you see above. Sure, we enjoyed the game when we checked it out at E3 2009, even though it still looked a bit undercooked at the time.

And yes, sneaking around WWII-era Paris as a rogue Irishman with a penchant for chaos does sound good to us. But if this music is any indication of the game's attitude, we're feeling a bit wary about it. There's only so much cliché one can take, folks.

Update: EA would like us to point out that the trailer above is "made for Germany" and thus" had to be softened for their guidelines." We're pretty sure that means more blood and actual Nazis when the game ships Stateside. Er, um, not in Germany at least.

Gallery: The Saboteur

Continue reading The Saboteur visits brothels, explodes Nazis, has an accent

JoystiqThe Saboteur visits brothels, explodes Nazis, has an accent originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsflogging-mollyMicrosoftpandemicpandemic-studiosparisthe-saboteurtrailerwwiiXbox-360Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Canceled Pandemic Wii title wanted to be 'The Next Big Thing']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/01/canceled-pandemic-wii-title-wanted-to-be-the-next-big-thing/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/01/canceled-pandemic-wii-title-wanted-to-be-the-next-big-thing/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/01/canceled-pandemic-wii-title-wanted-to-be-the-next-big-thing/#comments
After EA shuttered the Australian arm of Mercenaries dev house Pandemic Studios, a few projects were lost to the ether. A game based on the enormously popular film Dark Knight for 360 / PS3 as well as an "open-world Nintendo Wii game" were both rumored to be on the way from the Brisbane, Australia-based studio.

Australian Gamer has apparently found footage of the Wii title -- said to still be owned by ex-Pandemic Australia employees -- to be called either "The Next Big Thing" or "No Limits Racing" (depending on your interpretation of the footage). The trailer (found after the break) teases a handful of pseudo-celebrity appearances, the ability to turn existing Miis into in-game characters, and show off your high scores on advertisements in friends' game environments.

EA confirmed to us yesterday that the Australian arm of Pandemic is closed, and said of the trailer, "On any given day, there are a lot of great game ideas under consideration at EA ... not all of them go all the way to market."

Continue reading Canceled Pandemic Wii title wanted to be 'The Next Big Thing'

JoystiqCanceled Pandemic Wii title wanted to be 'The Next Big Thing' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaaustralian-gamerdark-knighteaElectronic-ArtsNintendono-limits-racingpandemicpandemic-australiapandemic-studiosthe-next-big-thingWiiSat, 01 Aug 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pandemic: The Saboteur announced too soon, EA acquisition bought 'more time']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/pandemic-the-saboteur-announced-too-soon-ea-acquisition-bought/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/pandemic-the-saboteur-announced-too-soon-ea-acquisition-bought/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/pandemic-the-saboteur-announced-too-soon-ea-acquisition-bought/#comments
Click image to sneak into our gallery
It's hard to believe, but The Saboteur was announced around this time ... in 2007. Crazy, right? We can hardly believe it's been so long, and since it was announced, we really haven't had much to talk about. Thanks to Tom French of Pandemic, we now know it's because the game was revealed too soon. Sabotaging The Saboteur, amirite?

In speaking with VG247, Pandemic's Tom French said the game is pretty ambitious and that the title was just revealed too soon. At the point where it was announced, most of the title was still on paper, with only a "small section of the world even built." Then, EA acquired Pandemic, which French said really helped The Saboteur out, allowing the team working on it to grow through inheriting people from other projects (he cites folks coming on board from Mercenaries, for example). French said the additions to The Saboteur team have helped "refine all those little details that we've been talking about but nobody had time to touch."

Gallery: The Saboteur

JoystiqPandemic: The Saboteur announced too soon, EA acquisition bought 'more time' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftpandemicpandemic-studiossaboteurthe-saboteurXbox-360Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumorang: Star Wars Battlefront III 'not currently' at Pandemic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/10/rumorang-star-wars-battlefront-iii-not-currently-at-pandemic/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/10/rumorang-star-wars-battlefront-iii-not-currently-at-pandemic/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/10/rumorang-star-wars-battlefront-iii-not-currently-at-pandemic/#comments
Despite the rumor to the contrary, it appears that Star Wars: Battlefront III is not in development at Pandemic, the studio responsible for the first two games. Just last week an employee from Rebellion -- where Battlefront III development moved after its initial stint at Free Radical -- reportedly stated that development had shifted to Pandemic. According to Mathew Everett, community manager at Pandemic, the game "is not currently" with the studio. He added that only LucasArts would know the fate of the title at this point.

Depending on your point of view, this news is either a terrible blow or a tremendous relief (unless you're just middlin', of course). Given the popularity of the most recent Star Wars title, The Force Unleashed, we imagine Battlefront III will find a home somewhere. Here's hoping Jabba is finally playable.

[Via VideoGamer]

JoystiqRumorang: Star Wars Battlefront III 'not currently' at Pandemic originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefront-3pandemicpandemic-studiosstar-warsstar-wars-battlefront-3Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Second round of LOTR: Conquest DLC will cost you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/second-round-of-lotr-conquest-dlc-will-cost-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/second-round-of-lotr-conquest-dlc-will-cost-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/second-round-of-lotr-conquest-dlc-will-cost-you/#commentsAfter releasing the first batch of content for free, EA will be going the paid route and deliver a second set of Lord of the Rings: Conquest DLC this Thursday, February 26, to the XBLM and PSN for 800 and $10, respectively.

The "precious" Conquest downloadable content will add three additional characters (including the freakish Gothmog), two new maps and two fancy arenas. But for a game that didn't fair too well in reviews, is $10 worth of downloadable content all that exciting? We doubt Elijah 'would' approve.

JoystiqSecond round of LOTR: Conquest DLC will cost you originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-conquestlotr-conquestMicrosoftpandemic-studiospsnxblmXbox-360Thu, 26 Feb 2009 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mirror's Edge and Mercenaries 2 fail to excite Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/mirrors-edge-and-mercenaries-2-fail-to-excite-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/mirrors-edge-and-mercenaries-2-fail-to-excite-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/mirrors-edge-and-mercenaries-2-fail-to-excite-japan/#commentsAnecdotal evidence suggests that neither Mirror's Edge nor Mercenaries 2 took off in Japan. This picture shows stacks of new copies of both games on sale for ¥1,980 ($21). Mirror's Edge was released on December 11 in Japan, and Mercenaries 2 followed one week later. Both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions are marked down, so the blame for poor sales doesn't fall solely on 360's lowly reputation in Japan.

Japan has no rental services, so people tend to buy games, complete them immediately, and then sell them back to stores asap, before the prices are slashed, leading to a precipitous drop in used prices of popular games. Even that isn't the case here -- these games are new, and retailer Sofmap's website shows used copies of Mirror's Edge at ¥4,780 for PS3 and 360, while new copies are marked down to a mere ¥1,980.

Would Mirror's Edge have benefited from a lead character redesigned for Asian audiences? Maybe, if that redesign had also encompassed not making the game a first-person shooter.

JoystiqMirror's Edge and Mercenaries 2 fail to excite Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A2MakihabaraEAElectronic-ArtsjapanMercenariesMercenaries-2Mercenaries-2-World-In-FlamesMicrosoftMirrors-EdgePandemicPandemic-Studiossandboxthird-person-shooterXbox-360Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LOTR Conquest demo conjures 1 million downloads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/lotr-conquest-demo-conjures-1-million-downloads/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/lotr-conquest-demo-conjures-1-million-downloads/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/lotr-conquest-demo-conjures-1-million-downloads/#commentsFiled under:


Pandemic Studios just informed us that the Lord of the Rings Conquest demo that released to the Xbox Live Marketplace a few weeks back has been downloaded over 1 million times. That means the demo download has bested Call of Duty: World at War and its nine week run on top.

Congrats to the crew over at Pandemic on their demo download success, but we have to ask; how well did those demo downloads translate into retail sales? One could argue that those sales figures are a tad bit more important.

JoystiqLOTR Conquest demo conjures 1 million downloads originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ealord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-conquestlotr-conquestpandemicpandemic-studiosWed, 21 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: EA sets Pandemic Studios Australia free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/rumor-ea-sets-pandemic-studios-australia-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/rumor-ea-sets-pandemic-studios-australia-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/rumor-ea-sets-pandemic-studios-australia-free/#commentsFiled under: ,


Electronic Arts has bid adieu to Pandemic Studios' Brisbane office, according to a "reliable source" speaking to Kotaku. The site reports that the studio has been "set free" and tasked with finding a new publisher, as opposed to being shut down completely.

EA acquired the Australian branch of Pandemic during its acquisition of BioWare last year. The studio is best known for the Destroy All Humans! series, but was rumored to have been working on other unannounced projects. We'll update if any new information arises.

Update: EA's Mariam Sughayer issued the following response: "In December, EA announced a cost reduction initiative that will impact facilities and headcount. We do not expect to make any more public announcements until our earnings call in early February. Outside of our scheduled earnings call, we aren't providing any new information on the status of individual facilities."

JoystiqRumor: EA sets Pandemic Studios Australia free originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destroy-all-humanseaElectronic-Artspandemicpandemic-brisbanepandemic-studiosrumorWed, 14 Jan 2009 08:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Game developers sound off on industry layoffs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/game-developers-sound-off-on-industry-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/game-developers-sound-off-on-industry-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/game-developers-sound-off-on-industry-layoffs/#commentsFiled under:


It's all too easy to forget that there are real people behind the power-ups we're so fond of collecting. Gamasutra has posted a sobering look at the industry, interviewing recently out-of-work employees from such companies as Eidos and Pandemic while putting faces on the disturbing number of layoffs that have impacted the business behind the games we play.

"In our industry, there's a relatively high chance that once your game is finished, the studio will make some cuts," noted David Lewis, a software test engineer at Ensemble, which will close its doors after Halo Wars (pictured) rolls out the door later this year. "But I had no reason to suspect that the whole studio would be closed." Even so, some, like recruiter T.J. Summers, believe that there is work to be had for those willing to stretch beyond their comfort zones and look for work in "new growth sectors" such as web or mobile. Still, we sympathize with those impacted, especially knowing that the drop off from developing AAA titles to Flash games has to be enough to lose your stomach.

JoystiqGame developers sound off on industry layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidosensembleensemble-studiosensemblestudioshalo-warshalowarslayoffspandemicpandemic-studiospandemicstudiosMon, 12 Jan 2009 13:06:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLM offers up LOTR: Conquest multiplayer demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/xblm-offers-up-lotr-conquest-multiplayer-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/xblm-offers-up-lotr-conquest-multiplayer-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/xblm-offers-up-lotr-conquest-multiplayer-demo/#commentsFiled under:


Fresh from the developer oven and onto the Xbox Live Marketplace serving platter is a new Lord of the Rings: Conquest demo. Best part, it's an online enabled multiplayer demo, joy! Other than the multiplayer knowledge, we're uncertain about the demo specifics other than the fact that it's a 1GB download. So, feel free to add it to your queue and give the LOTR: Conquest demo a try. All the cool kids are doing it.

JoystiqXBLM offers up LOTR: Conquest multiplayer demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ealord-of-the-rings-conquest-lotr-conquestpandemic-studiosxblmFri, 02 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercs 2 Blow it Up Again DLC available for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/mercs-2-blow-it-up-again-dlc-available-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/mercs-2-blow-it-up-again-dlc-available-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/mercs-2-blow-it-up-again-dlc-available-for-free/#commentsFiled under: ,


Releasing a day earlier than expected is new Mercenaries 2: World in Flames downloadable content. Available for 0 Microsoft points (that mean it's free), you can own your very own Blow it Up Again DLC and be the talk of town. The 377MB download adds four new missions to the mix along with some patriotic characters. The bigger question remains ... will it be grenades or TNT?

JoystiqMercs 2 Blow it Up Again DLC available for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blow-it-up-againmercenaries-2mercenaries-2-world-in-flamespandemicpandemic-studiosxblmMon, 15 Dec 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercenaries 2 is ready to Blow It Up Again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/13/mercenaries-2-is-ready-to-blow-it-up-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/13/mercenaries-2-is-ready-to-blow-it-up-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/13/mercenaries-2-is-ready-to-blow-it-up-again/#commentsFiled under:


Because they're aware your interest in Mercenaries 2: World in Flames has probably dwindled, EA and Pandemic Studios are set to release a new bundle of Blow It Up Again content pack joy. It's destructive DLC.

This expansion content is scheduled for release on Tuesday, December 16th and will be 100% FREE throughout the rest of the year. Included will be four additional game modes as well as a few "patriotic characters" to wreak havoc with. Per the Blow It Up Again teaser trailer, we're moderately impressed, because it looks so darn boom-riffic!

[Via TeamXbox, Thanks Lightsout565]

JoystiqMercenaries 2 is ready to Blow It Up Again originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamercenaries-2mercenaries-2-world-in-flamespandemicpandemic-studiosx3f-twitterSat, 13 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fanswag: Destroy All Humans bobbles [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/fanswag-destroy-all-humans-bobbles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/fanswag-destroy-all-humans-bobbles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/fanswag-destroy-all-humans-bobbles/#commentsFiled under:


Update: This giveaway has completed and big congrats to ttocs, monkeyninja, Major Suckage, Xerone, and Ben for their bobbly win!

This week, Crypto crash landed on the Xbox 360 in Destroy All Humans: Path of the Furon and to celebrate, we're giving away a handful of Crypto'riffic "Wacky Wobbler Bobble-Heads". You know, because everybody needs a Wacky Wobbler. Simply comment below to enter the giveaway. Also, big thanks to the Destroy All Humans crew for donating the bobblehead goods and to learn more about Path of the Furon (and win some prizes) hit up CryptoEnhance.com.
  • We all know Crypto loves to use wacky weapons to destroy humans, but what would your ultimate human destroying weapon be? Leave a comment on this post telling us what zany weapon you'd use to wreak havoc.
  • You may leave one comment per calendar day, eastern time. Posters of multiple comments during the same day will be disqualified. We'll accept entries until 10:00PM eastern Wednesday, December 3rd. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. This giveaway is open only to residents of the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec).
  • On Thursday, we'll pick five winners via a random drawing.
  • Five grand prize winners will receive a Destroy All Humans: Path of the Furon bobblehead worth $15.
  • Complete giveaway rules can be found here.

JoystiqFanswag: Destroy All Humans bobbles [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Destroy-All-HumansDestroy-All-Humans-Path-of-the-FuronfanswagPandemic-StudiosSandboxShooterTHQWed, 03 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shipping this week: Scaling, scailing edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/shipping-this-week-scaling-scailing-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/shipping-this-week-scaling-scailing-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/shipping-this-week-scaling-scailing-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

With week after week of nothing but big releases (and a short breather last week) it looks like it's finally time to round out the big holiday gaming schedule. The biggest release this week is, without a shadow of a doubt, Prince of Persia. After the Prince took a questionable turn to the Dark Side (which followed his jaunt to the Emo Side), Ubisoft decided the entire series needed a refresh and the result is available this week. Here's hoping the Prince manages to scale those obstacles with panache and aplomb rather than falling to his death with all the grace of a stone. Here are all of this week's releases:
[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqShipping this week: Scaling, scailing edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Destroy-All-HumansDestroy-All-Humans-Path-of-the-FuronPandemic-Studiosprince-of-persiaSandboxshipping-this-weekShootertale-of-despereauxTHQMon, 01 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Destroy All Humans: PoTF trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/29/new-destroy-all-humans-potf-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/29/new-destroy-all-humans-potf-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/29/new-destroy-all-humans-potf-trailer/#commentsFiled under:

We tried to get around it. We really did but, honestly, there's only one thing we can say about the new Destroy All Humans: Path of the Furon trailer (embedded after the break). That thing is this: The game features some kind of rainbow gun. We can't really discern if the gun actually fires rainbows or rather a much more sinister projectile that leaves rainbows in its wake. We're inclined to think it's the latter, given the ultimate goal of the game (which seems obvious, considering the title). There are other powers and weapons featured in the trailer but, come on, it's a rainbow gun. What more could you need?

Continue reading New Destroy All Humans: PoTF trailer

JoystiqNew Destroy All Humans: PoTF trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Destroy-All-HumansDestroy-All-Humans-Path-of-the-FuronPandemic-StudiosSandboxShooterthqSat, 29 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Destroy All Humans! PS3 still coming to Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/destroy-all-humans-ps3-still-coming-to-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/destroy-all-humans-ps3-still-coming-to-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/destroy-all-humans-ps3-still-coming-to-europe/#commentsFiled under:

THQ has informed Eurogamer that the PlayStation 3 version of earthling annihilation sim Destroy All Humans! Path of the Furon, isn't quite as canceled we were lead to believe. It's still on track for a European release, joining its Xbox 360 sibling on shelves next year, February 13th. Is that enough time to sort out those "development issues?"

A spokesperson for the publisher explained: "Due to the game being shipped earlier in North America on 2nd December a decision was made to proceed exclusively with the Xbox 360 format in that market." If you were to ask us, we'd say the European strategy for releasing outside the holiday period and on twice as many platforms seems like the smarter one. If you were to ask us.

JoystiqDestroy All Humans! PS3 still coming to Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Destroy-All-HumansDestroy-All-Humans-Path-of-the-FuronEuropeMicrosoftPandemic-StudiosSandblast-GamesSandboxShooterTHQXbox-360Fri, 28 Nov 2008 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Path of the Furon canceled on PS3, becomes a 360 exclusive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/path-of-the-furon-canceled-on-ps3-becomes-a-360-exclusive/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/path-of-the-furon-canceled-on-ps3-becomes-a-360-exclusive/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/path-of-the-furon-canceled-on-ps3-becomes-a-360-exclusive/#commentsFiled under:


Shacknews reports that THQ's upcoming (and cow probing) Destroy All Humans: Path of the Furon has been canceled on the Playstation 3 citing "development issues" as being the main reason. Though, THQ is still commited to releasing the Xbox 360 version the first week of December, making Path of the Furon a 360 exclusive. Maybe not an A+ blockbuster exclusive, but it's an exclusive none the less. Enjoy the latest game trailer as a makeshift exclusivity celebration.

JoystiqPath of the Furon canceled on PS3, becomes a 360 exclusive originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Destroy-All-HumansDestroy-All-Humans-Path-of-the-FuronPandemic-StudiosSandboxShooterTHQWed, 26 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ refuses to Destroy All Humans! on PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/thq-refuses-to-destroy-all-humans-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/thq-refuses-to-destroy-all-humans-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/thq-refuses-to-destroy-all-humans-on-ps3/#commentsFiled under:

The PS3 version of Destroy All Humans! Path of the Furon has been mysteriously canceled a week before its release. Originally scheduled for December 1st, the game will now ship exclusively on Xbox 360. According to THQ, "development issues" have been blamed for this cancellation.

Perhaps those "issues" involved forgetting to actually start development of the PS3 version. Or perhaps THQ just didn't care. Or maybe it's because THQ fired everyone that might've even worked on a PS3 version. Regardless, we doubt many of you are feeling the loss.

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqTHQ refuses to Destroy All Humans! on PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Destroy-All-HumansDestroy-All-Humans-Path-of-the-FuronPandemic-StudiosSandblast-GamesSandboxShooterTHQWed, 26 Nov 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Destroying all humans begins this December]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/destroying-all-humans-begins-this-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/destroying-all-humans-begins-this-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/destroying-all-humans-begins-this-december/#commentsFiled under:

THQ and Sandblast just revealed that Destroy All Humans: Path of the Furon will make its way to retailers the week of December 1st. We're sure your copy is already secured with a pre-order.

Path of the Furon will be the first Destroy All Humans title to grace the Xbox 360 and will feature fully destructible environments, multiplayer support and co-op. Maybe its reception will be warmer than the original's lukewarm reviews and maybe Crypto will finally realize that probing cows does absolutely nothing for his human species research.

JoystiqDestroying all humans begins this December originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Destroy-All-HumansDestroy-All-Humans-Path-of-the-FuronPandemic-StudiosSandboxShooterTHQTue, 11 Nov 2008 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: 'There will be a Mercenaries 3']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/ea-there-will-be-a-mercenaries-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/ea-there-will-be-a-mercenaries-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/ea-there-will-be-a-mercenaries-3/#commentsFiled under: ,


EA boss John Riccitielo is the latest company bigwig talking up more sequels, just as his publishing megalith struck gold with Dead Space, one of the best original titles it's had in years. This time it's Mercenaries, which Riccitielo confirmed will see a third installment developed by series creator Pandemic.

"There will be a Mercenaries 3," Riccitielo said during an investor call, adding, "and, if I have anything to do with it, there will be a Mercenaries 10." With nearly two million copies sold worldwide, a sequel to the open-world action game was a given ... but another seven beyond that? Mattias will be 'jacking other residents' wheelchairs at the mercenary retirement home by that point.

JoystiqEA: 'There will be a Mercenaries 3' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A2MEAElectronic-Artsjohn-riccitielloMercenariesMercenaries-2Mercenaries-2-World-In-Flamesmercenaries-3MicrosoftPandemicPandemic-Studiossandboxthird-person-shooterXbox-360Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LOTR: Conquest attacks in January]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/lotr-conquest-attacks-in-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/lotr-conquest-attacks-in-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/lotr-conquest-attacks-in-january/#commentsFiled under:


The Shacknews folks are reporting that Pandemic Studios' Lord of the Rings: Conquest - a game dedicated to re-creating epic LOTR battles sans Elijah Wood - will be landing on retail shelves next January 13th. And from the factual deets we've already been given, LOTR: Conquest doesn't sound half bad ... possibly even good. We believe in you Pandemic, so do us proud!

JoystiqLOTR: Conquest attacks in January originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-conquestlotrlotr-conquestpandemicpandemic-studiosThu, 30 Oct 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercenaries 2 'Total Payback' update is M.I.A.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/mercenaries-2-total-payback-update-is-m-i-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/mercenaries-2-total-payback-update-is-m-i-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/mercenaries-2-total-payback-update-is-m-i-a/#commentsFiled under: ,


Mercenaries 2: World in Flames fanboys who were excited to get their hands on the new Total Payback title update will, sadly, be dissapointed. Pandemic Studios has yet to release the new update, which was supposed to release on October 13th. The Mercenaries 2 forums are abuzz with angry gamers, so much so that forum moderators have been deleting threads that make mention of the Total Paypack update being delayed. We aren't sure what Pandemic's reason is for the delay or when it'll finally be released, but we've contacted them for comment and will update when we hear back.

[Thanks, Chris]

JoystiqMercenaries 2 'Total Payback' update is M.I.A. originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mercenaries-2mercenaries-2-world-in-flamespandemicpandemic-studiosworld-in-flamesxblmWed, 15 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercenaries 2 receives Total Payback on Oct. 13th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/mercenaries-2-receives-total-payback-on-oct-13th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/mercenaries-2-receives-total-payback-on-oct-13th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/mercenaries-2-receives-total-payback-on-oct-13th/#commentsFiled under:


Mercenaries 2: World in Flames will be receiving it's first ever title update on Monday, October 13th with the release of a "Total Payback" update that's aimed at connecting gamers from around the world, adding more variety and enabling cheaters to, well ... cheat.

The Total Payback update will add an additional six characters to the Mercenaries 2 mix, give players the ability to enter cheats and (this one's a biggie) enable cross-region support of Xbox Live multiplayer. Huzzah! Again, this is an update, meaning it'll be applied instantly and for free come October 13th.

Also, Pandemic revealed that they'll be releasing the first set of Mercs 2 downloadable content sometime this November. So, keep an eye out for that.

[Thanks, Fox]

JoystiqMercenaries 2 receives Total Payback on Oct. 13th originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamercenaries-2mercenaries-2-world-in-flamespandemicpandemic-studiosworld-in-flamesWed, 01 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercenaries 2 demo now on Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/mercenaries-2-demo-now-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/mercenaries-2-demo-now-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/mercenaries-2-demo-now-on-xbox-live/#commentsFiled under: ,

So, are we posting about a demo for Mercenaries 2 (that just arrived on Xbox Live) solely so we can have an excuse to share "Oh No You Didn't," which somehow, mysteriously, has eluded our grasp for weeks? Possibly. We hope you can forgive us.

If you came here for actual demo information rather than hilarious song stylings, you should know that it only pays out 20 minutes of fun before it shuts the whole operation down and kicks you to the dashboard. If you're looking for a really meaty taste, you may want to turn to renting.

JoystiqMercenaries 2 demo now on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A2MdemosEAElectronic-ArtsMercenariesMercenaries-2Mercenaries-2-World-In-FlamesMicrosoftPandemicPandemic-Studiossandboxthird-person-shooterxblmXbox-360xbox-liveTue, 16 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLM receives new human-destroying, intellivision-like Xbox Originals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/xblm-receives-new-human-destroying-intellivision-like-xbox-orig/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/xblm-receives-new-human-destroying-intellivision-like-xbox-orig/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/xblm-receives-new-human-destroying-intellivision-like-xbox-orig/#commentsFiled under: ,


Per last week's announcement, two new exclamation point loving Xbox Originals just released to the XBLM and both are patiently awaiting your 1200 Microsoft point purchase. The new achievement-less titles (that NEVER gets old), Destroy All Humans! and Intellivision Lives!, can be found under the "New Releases" section of the Marketplace. If you can't decide which title to buy, maybe you can opt to pickup both OR (as we suggest) ignore them completely. But maybe that's being a bit harsh?

JoystiqXBLM receives new human-destroying, intellivision-like Xbox Originals originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Destroy-All-HumansPandemic-StudiosSandblast-GamesSandboxShooterTHQxblmMon, 15 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercenaries 2 demo NOT on the Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/13/mercenaries-2-demo-not-on-the-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/13/mercenaries-2-demo-not-on-the-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/13/mercenaries-2-demo-not-on-the-marketplace/#commentsFiled under: ,

Last night, Pandemic sent word to the internets informing everyone that the promised Mercenaries 2: World in Flames demo was released to the Xbox Live Marketplace for download. And even though they sent word, it doesn't mean it's true, because it simply isn't there. We're sure the Mercenaries 2 demo will eventually make its way to the XBLM (probably sooner than later), but right this moment we aren't seeing it. Keep your mercenary eyes peeled and your mercenary ears perked ...

[Thanks, Rob]

JoystiqMercenaries 2 demo NOT on the Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Sep 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mercenaries-2mercenaries-2-world-in-flamespandemicpandemic-studiosworld-in-flamesSat, 13 Sep 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Destroy All Humans! Intellivision Lives! New Xbox Originals Sept. 15!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/destroy-all-humans-intellivision-lives-new-xbox-originals-sept/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/destroy-all-humans-intellivision-lives-new-xbox-originals-sept/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/destroy-all-humans-intellivision-lives-new-xbox-originals-sept/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It's high time for some real talk about Xbox Originals. Specifically, who's choosing what makes the cut? Not that Destroy all Humans! or Intellivision Lives! are bad games by any means. It's just that, when you think of a service that could be offering the best, exclusive games from a system's previous generation on the current one via the interwebs, you'd hope they'd be more ... original and memorable.

As it stands, we're getting a complete mish-mash of revered and forgettable moments from the annuls of the original Xbox. How about some Panzer Dragoon Orta or Star Wars: Republic Commando before the likes of Kabuki Warriors? Ahem. Ranting aside, both Destroy All Humans! and Intellivision Lives! hit the Xbox Live Marketplace on September 15 for 1200 ($15) each. We'd love to hear which Xbox games you would have join the ranks of the Xbox Originals in comments.

JoystiqDestroy All Humans! Intellivision Lives! New Xbox Originals Sept. 15! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-livescrave-entertainmentDestroy-All-HumansMicrosoftPandemic-StudiosSandboxShooterthqxblmXboxXbox-360xbox-originalsThu, 11 Sep 2008 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Destroy All Humans! and Intellivision Lives! to become Xbox Originals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/destroy-all-humans-and-intellivision-lives-to-become-xbox-orig/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/destroy-all-humans-and-intellivision-lives-to-become-xbox-orig/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/destroy-all-humans-and-intellivision-lives-to-become-xbox-orig/#commentsFiled under: ,


Holy exclamation points! Microsoft just announced that both Destroy All Humans! and Intellivision Lives! are set to become Xbox Originals, releasing next Monday, September 15th. Exclamation point!

As is customary with all Xbox Originals, both titles will release to the Xbox Live Marketplace for 1200 Microsoft points apiece and require some hard drive gigage. For those who aren't familiar with either title, Intellivision Lives! is a collection of over 60 old-old-school Intellivision games while Pandemic's Destroy All Humans! is all about doing alien related activities like probing humans and flying around the city in a UFO wreaking havoc. (!!!)

JoystiqDestroy All Humans! and Intellivision Lives! to become Xbox Originals originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Destroy-All-HumansPandemic-StudiosSandboxShooterTHQxblmxbox-originalsThu, 11 Sep 2008 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercs 2 gas giveaway causes 'chaos' in London]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/mercs-2-gas-giveaway-causes-chaos-in-london/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/mercs-2-gas-giveaway-causes-chaos-in-london/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/mercs-2-gas-giveaway-causes-chaos-in-london/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

While a similar publicity stunt in LA went off with relatively little drama, it appears the Mercenaries 2 petrol giveaway in London was "irresponsible and dangerous," according to local residents. The BBC reports that traffic was gridlocked as drivers waited to get their £40-worth ($70) of gratis gas. The promotion started at 6:30AM and ran until police apparently shut it down.

Local residents were quite upset about the traffic and honking the stunt caused in their neighborhood. Lynne Featherstone, MP for the district, stated that while a lucky few got free gas, "hundreds of residents have faced misery." She's demanding an apology. We're sure that EA is real sorry about all the free publicity and we're positive those people with tanks full of free gas are even more sympathetic.

[Thanks to all who sent this in.]

JoystiqMercs 2 gas giveaway causes 'chaos' in London originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A2MEAElectronic-ArtsgaslondonMercenariesMercenaries-2Mercenaries-2-World-In-FlamesMicrosoftPandemicPandemic-Studiospetrolpublicity-stuntsandboxthird-person-shooterXbox-360Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:50:00 EST